Abstract

Background

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic incapacitating illness that affects between
400,000 and 800,000 Americans. Despite the disabling nature of this illness, scant
research has addressed the economic impact of CFS either on those affected or on the
national economy.

Methods

We used microsimulation methods to analyze data from a surveillance study of CFS in
Wichita, Kansas, and derive estimates of productivity losses due to CFS.

Results

We estimated a 37% decline in household productivity and a 54% reduction in labor
force productivity among people with CFS. The annual total value of lost productivity
in the United States was $9.1 billion, which represents about $20,000 per person with
CFS or approximately one-half of the household and labor force productivity of the
average person with this syndrome.

Conclusion

Lost productivity due to CFS was substantial both on an individual basis and relative
to national estimates for other major illnesses. CFS resulted in a national productivity
loss comparable to such losses from diseases of the digestive, immune and nervous
systems, and from skin disorders. The extent of the burden indicates that continued
research to determine the cause and potential therapies for CFS could provide substantial
benefit both for individual patients and for the nation.